
The simplest chuppah is to have four friends each hold up a corner of a large tallit. The downside of this, is those holding up the tallit can only do so for 5-10 minutes, before their arms feel tired and that the heads of the bride and groom may touch the tallit as it it is likely to droop just where they are standing.

A simple chuppah needs a white cloth attached to the top of four sturdy poles, to be held by friends, or family. The ploes should be 2.5-3.0 meters, or 7-9ft long. This allows those holding the poles to keep them on the ground and not have to hold up the weight of both the poles and the canopy by themselves. A tablecloth makes an ideal canopy and can be used at home afterwards to connect the marriage to festive occassions later on.

This photo shows the use of poles outside with a large tallit. The poles look a bit thicker than needed and required both hands to hold them up. At the top of the pole there is a metal hook, or loop to attach the canopy. The poles need to be able to take the strain of surporting the canopy. These are of a good height and allow the material to droop down slightly, without touching anyone under the chuppah.

In Ashkenazi ceremonies those under the chuppah stand, but in Sephardi weddings, everyone under the canopy sits. The chuppah has to be large enought to accomodate the chairs. The chairs for the bride and groom are put aside until they arrive under the canopy, when they are placed in position by two groomsmen.

A wedding on a public beach, risks having passers-by watching out of curiousity to see what is going on. There may be unexpected noise from others on the beach having fun, while boats and people in the water can unexpectedly appear in the wedding photos. Care also needs to be taken if there are any sea breezes. These can be refreshing in a very hot climates, but guests may also feel they are sitting in a draft. Attention should be given to the ease that guests will have getting to the beach and afterwards to the reception.

When having an outdoor ceremony, consideration needs to be taken of any adverse weather conditions that might occur just prior, or during the ceremony and for an alternative in-door option to be available. Other security factors is to ensure that any farming work is not taking place in near-by fields and there is sufficient parking space.

A sunset ceremony can also be very romantic, but care needs to be taken over its timing. Guests do not want to be looking into the sun, or for those under the chuppah to appear only in silhouette form. The ceremony should not end so late that guests will not be able to leave unless there is additional lighting available, or the rabbi is unable to read the text for the ceremony.